Have you gained weight without any changes to your diet or lifestyle? Are your cycles irregular? Do you have a low libido, low energy? Are you struggling to get pregnant? All of these are signs that your hormones may not be functioning optimally. We are exposed to many chemicals on a daily basis that interrupt our biochemistry and act as hormones in our body, causing a wide array of health conditions, from cancer to infertility...
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemical messengers who send signals from endocrine glands to target cells or tissues throughout the body. Most people are familiar with steroid hormones (made from cholesterol) such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and cortisol. "Steroid hormones help control metabolism, inflammation, immune functions, salt and water balance, development of sexual characteristics, and the ability to withstand illness and injury." There are also many peptide hormones (made from proteins) that control our eating, energy usage, growth, mood and so much more, such as insulin, ghrelin, thyroid stimulating hormone, oxytocin, etc.
Are your hormones out of whack?
Common Endocrine Disorders or Health Concerns
In order to understand why you should be avoiding endocrine disrupting chemicals, it might be helpful to know some common conditions that are the result of hormone dysfunction:
Diabetes Type II
Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Infertility
Erectile dysfunction
Obesity
Depression/Anxiety
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Acne
Cushing's disease
Addison's disease
Top 10 Avoidable Endocrine Disruptors
1. Bisphenol A (BPA)
Bisphenol A is a compound found in plastic, the lining of many canned foods, and thermal paper (ie receipts). It disrupts your hormones by interacting with estrogen receptors acting both as an agonist and antagonist, meaning it binds to estrogen receptors in your body and either it increases or decreases production(1,2,3,4). The problem with this is that it confuses your natural hormonal response, shutting off the signal for your body to produce, secrete or release estrogen. Estrogen plays an important role in sexual development, fertility and female cycle regulation, thyroid health, maintaining a healthy weight, bone mineralization, cardiovascular health and mood balancing. BPA has been linked to the development of male and female infertility, PCOS and some hormone dependant tumours such as prostate and breast cancer(2).
BPA also acts as an androgen antagonist(3). This means that is blocks the effects of androgens, such as testosterone. Although historically an issue in older men, cases of low testosterone are being reported in men in their 20s! Although commonly considered a predominantly male hormone, females also require and produce androgens. The effects of decreased androgens range from erectile dysfunction to depression and low energy (2,3,4).
To Avoid:
limit use of plastic containers, storing your food in glass or metal containers
Avoid plastic wrap, use beeswax paper instead
Opt for electronic or no receipt when shopping
Avoid dented or damaged canned goods
2. Atrazine
Atrazine is a common pesticide used on corn crops. Atrazine makes its way into our water due to rainfall run-off. Studies on animals expressing similar tissues to humans have found a decrease in sperm motility, a decrease in androgen receptors within leydig cells (in the testes), and destruction of certain immune cells (5). It has also shown to disrupt ovulation in human tissues by decreasing FSH stimulated production of estradiol and progesterone(6). By disrupting ovulation, atrazine may contribute to infertility.
Another disturbing study found that male frogs exposed to atrazine turned into genetically viable female frogs(7).
To Avoid:
Purchase organic produce
Properly wash produce with baking soda (requires a higher pH to remove pesticide contaminants)
Filter your drinking and shower water with activated charcoal filters
3. Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of man-made chemicals with adverse commercial uses, from plastic toys and medical devices, to synthetic fragrances. In all studies conducted on phthalate exposure in humans, they were shown to impact reproductive hormone and thyroid hormones. Some of the more concerning studies found higher urine levels of phthalates in children with gynecomastia, or precocious puberty (early onset puberty) (8). They are also known to cause increased cell death of testicular cells, contributing to testicular dysgenesis, likely a contributing factor in some cases of male factor infertility(9). There are also many studies linking high levels of phthalates to women with breast cancer and leiomyomas (8,10).
Unfortunately phthalates are also able to cross the placental barrier and are correlated with adverse health outcomes in children- both neurological (ASD, ADHD, ect.) and atopic conditions (allergies, eczema and asthma) (8,9,10).
To Avoid:
Avoid the use of plastics (especially for children and pregnant women) such as toys, plastic wrap, containers, etc.
Read product labels and avoid products that contain phthalates or 'fragrance'
Avoid commercial perfumes and scented candles/air-fresheners unless essential oil based
4. Perchlorate
If you are looking for another reason to invest in a water filter, the answer is rocket fuel! Perchlorate is a component of rocket fuel and is a known water contaminant. In humans, perchlorate inhibits the uptake of iodine in the thyroid gland. Iodine is an important chemical in the production of thyroid hormones. In the absence of iodine, the thyroid cannot function optimally and leads to hypothyroidism (11). Fatigue, weight gain, depression, dry skin and hair thinning are some of the ways in which suboptimal thyroid function or clinical hypothyroidism present.
More studies are needed to determine the longterm effects of microdoses of perchlorate, however short-term studies showed measurable serum thyroid hormone level changes starting at a dose of 1mg/day(12). Although amounts per litre of water do not exceed 1mg, many other common foods appear to also be contaminated; Cow's milk, lettuce, winter wheat crops, alfalafa, watercress, chinaberry and mulberry trees, cucumber, cantaloupe and tomatoes (13).
To Avoid:
Drink filtered water (reverse osmosis best at removing perchlorate)
Eat iodine rich foods to mitigate some of the effects of perchlorate: Spirulina, Chlorella, Seaweed, Kelp, Nori, Cod, Iodized sea salt
5. Lead
Lead is a heavy metal with a wide array of negative effects on the human body. It is more commonly known for its ability to cause brain damage, lower IQ, kidney damage and damage to the nervous system. If those aren't reason enough, it also has detrimental effects on our hormones.
Lead affects the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, a part of your brain that controls the regulation of all the endocrine glands in the body. Therefore, lead will have an effect on thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), growth hormone(GH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone(LH). It can therefore throw off the function of the thyroid gland, sexual reproduction and growth/development(14). Long term exposure may also affect testicular cells, decreasing the production of testosterone.
Children who eat healthier diets rich in polyphenols (lots of plants) absorb less lead into their bodies(15). Although we may not be able to fully control lead exposure, we can help mitigate some of the damage by ensuring we eat a plant-rich diet!
To Avoid:
filter your drinking water
Carefully rid old homes of lead based paints
Eat a diet rich in polyphenols (plants!)
6. Triclosan
Triclosan is an antimicrobial compound added to many consumer products such as soaps, toothpastes, detergents, toys, etc. In addition to its antimicrobial properties, Triclosan affects the reproductive system in humans by mimicking estrogen. By doing so, it throws off your body's natural cycle and may contribute to irregular periods, infertility, estrogen dependant tumour development, gynecomastia (male breast tissue development), and so much more (16).
The other concerning property of adding broad spectrum antimicrobials to commercial products are the obvious affect that it may have on disrupting our own microflora. In a world plagued with decreasing biodiversity, humans are particularly vulnerable considering how dependant we are on the microbes living all over our bodies who outnumber our own cells 10:1. That is right, we are more microbes than we are our own cells! Dysbiosis of the gut may contribute to auto-immune conditions that may affect endocrine organs (the thyroid is particularly vulnerable to this) (17).
To Avoid:
Read product labels and avoid using products that contain Triclosan or TCS
Do not purchase toys made by Playskool®(all the following): - Stack ‘n Scoop - Whaleo Rockin’ Radio - Hourglass - Sounds Around Driver - Roll ‘n’ Rattle Ball - Animal Sounds Phone - Busy Beads Pal - Pop ‘n’ Spin Top - Lights ‘n’ Surprise Laptop
7. Mercury
Mercury is a well known toxic heavy metal. A number of human industrial activities have resulted in bioaccumulation along the food chain and it is particularly high in fish. Many older dental fillings were made from mercury and require careful removal by professionals trained in this procedure to avoid risk of toxicity during the process.
Pregnant women should be most cautious to avoid mercury, as it is known to accumulate in the fetal brain and interfere with development (18). Some research also suggests there may be a link between a child's inability to property detoxify mercury (and other heavy metals including lead) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (19).
The neurotoxic effects of mercury are clear, but how does it affect our hormones? Mercury has been shown to affect the adrenal glands by lowering production of corticosteroid, thereby resulting in adrenal hyperplasia and potentially leading to the development of Addison's disease(20). It has also been shown to interfere with the pancreas (important endocrine organ in Diabetes) and thyroid (20, 21).
To Avoid:
Avoid the over-consumption of high mercury fish (Acronym for low mercury fish, with high healthy fats= SMASH: Sardines, Mackerel, Anchovies, Salmon and Herring)
Consume plants known to help neutralize mercury (Foods high in selenium, cilantro, spirulina, chlorella, etc.)
Carefully have old mercury fillings removed
8. Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs)
PFCs are commercially found in non-stick cookware. They are present in 99% of humans in North America and certain banned types do not break down naturally in the environment, therefore they will continue to have an impact as there is no way of getting rid of them.
PFCs affect human hormones in a number of different ways. They have been shown to affect the thyroid by binding to thyroid T3 receptors (22) and by affecting fetal thyroid function leading to a disruption in female newborn thyroid levels (23). They also affect reproductive hormones by interacting with both estrogen and androgen receptors, thereby altering our body's natural production of estrogen and testosterone (24). Alterations in these levels can lead to PMS symptoms, infertility in men and women, certain cancers, and much more. For more information you can consult this thorough fact sheet: https://ncceh.ca/sites/default/files/Health_effects_PFCs_Oct_2010.pdf
To Avoid:
Don't buy non-stick cookware, instead use: cast iron, stainless steel, copper and glass
Avoid furniture, clothing and carpets with water-resistant coatings
9. Organophosphate pesticides
Organophosphate pesticides came into production after the use of similar compounds in Nazi Germany as a neurotoxin for chemical warfare (27). There are many gaps in the research on the hormonal effects of organophosphates just due to the nature of studying such an uncontrollable variable, however it is clear that this group of pesticides is affecting the quality of sperm, contributing to male factor infertility (25).
The way these pesticides work is by binding to acetylcholinesterase receptors and preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine breakdown is required to release a muscle that has contracted, so the muscle sustains tetany and kills the insect (26). Interestingly, this effect is not limited to insects and occurs in most animals that produce this compound (we are one of those animals). I am amazed at the amount of chronic tension in my patients, perhaps this could be a contributing factor in addition to many other micronutrient deficiencies (cough, *magnesium*).
To Avoid:
Filter your drinking water
Buy organic produce
Wash your produce well!
10. Glycol Ethers
Glycol Ethers are common solvents used in cleaning products, paints, brake fluid and cosmetics. They are absorbed both via inhalation and direct contact on skin. Research done on painters exposed to ethylene glycol ethers found a decrease in sperm production and motility (28). Another study on female workers exposed to this chemical found statistically significant increases in spontaneous abortions (29).
A study looking at the effects of prenatal exposure on newborns found changes in endocrine response patterns, likely supporting previously reported adverse neurocognitive development and performance (30).
To avoid:
Wear protective gear when working with chemicals containing this group of solvents
Avoid cosmetics that contain Glycol ethers by checking the ingredients (see 'EWG's skin deep' database link below)
Use natural cleaning products around your home (lemon, baking soda, vinegar, water, plant essential oils)
TAKE AWAYS
1. Filter your drinking & shower water
2. When possible buy organic produce
3. Thoroughly wash your produce (with baking soda and/or vinegar)
4. Stop wearing synthetic perfumes and scents & switch to using essential oils from plants.
Here is a link to my favourite local essential oil company: thearomatherapist.com
5. Read the labels on your beauty products and avoid:
sulfates (sodium lauryl sulfates)
Fragrance
Parabens
Ethylene or Diethylene Glycol Ethers
6. Check the environmental working group's 'skin deep' database to look up your beauty products to determine their toxicity: ewg.org/skindeep/
7. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, as they have the ability to help your body process and eliminate some of these harmful compounds
8. Avoid plastic when possible:
Store your food in glass or metal containers
Purchase wood, metal or silicone utensils for the kitchen
Avoid plastic toys for children (especially under 2 when everything goes into the mouth)
When possible, purchase products stored in glass or cardboard
Use canvas reusable bags
9. Eat high mercury containing foods in moderation and increase consumption of metal clearing herbs and foods rich in selenium!
By avoiding what we can and following a healthy lifestyle, we are supporting our body's ability to filter and detoxify all the environmental toxic exposures that we cannot control!
May this empower you to be your best self...
There are lab tests that can be ordered to help determine your exposures to some of these pollutants. You can also get an idea of how your hormones are functioning through blood and saliva tests. If you are curious about how these environmental pollutants are affecting your hormones on an individual level, consult a Naturopath or Functional Medicine Practitioner!
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